Directed by Carl Reiner, and released on December 14, 1979 "The Jerk" tells the "rags to riches…to rags" story of Navin R. Johnson, an imbecilic, white boy, raised by a family of poor, black sharecroppers, who decides to take his Candide-like optimism and head to the big city to find his place in the world. The film kicks off with a homeless Navin, who says, "I am not a bum. I'm a jerk. I once had wealth, power, and the love of a beautiful woman. Now, I only have two things: my friends and my thermos." Navin then goes on to recount the particulars of his personal story. He begins with the avowal, "It was never easy for me; I was a poor, black child." An obvious incongruity, this line sets the tone for the rest of the film as a comedy where absurdity is commonplace and no holds are barred.

This movie is funny! Carl Reiner not only directed and had a cameo in the film, he's also a good friend to Steve Martin!

Classic - who could forget Mabel King as Steve Martin's "mother"? :cool:

This movie is funny! Carl Reiner not only directed and had a cameo in the film, he's also a good friend to Steve Martin!

I will never forget that scene: Carl Reiner taking off his glasses to reveal that he is cross-eyed. :lol:

Classic. One of Steve Martin's best.

i remember it well !!!!!

Wow, 30 years ago today!

HBO has been running The Jerk recently. I caught some of it the other day. Still very funny after all these years.

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"The Jerk" came out when I was a senior in high school, and it was a big hit among most of my classmates. But I've never watched it, for some reason.